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What is gum disease?

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What is gum disease?

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Gum disease can be gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, or periodontitis (pyorrhea), an inflammation of the bone that holds the teeth. Gingivitis, although not serious alone, is a precursor to periodontitis and should be treated before the disease progresses. Periodontitis attacks the bone itself. If left unchecked, it can destroy enough bone so that the teeth will loosen and could even fall out.

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Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

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In the broadest sense, the term gum disease–or periodontal disease–describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. “Periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it accumulates to excessive levels, it can harden into a substance called tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during a professional cleaning. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Each stage is characterized by what a dentist sees and feels in your mouth, and by what’s happening under your gumline. Although gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis, it’s important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

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Gum disease describes two major categories. The first and more minor form is known as gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gums. This form is usually easily treated by having your teeth thoroughly cleaned and adopting good oral health habits as described by your dentist and hygienist. The second form is known as periodontitis, which is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. This disease is defined by the loss of the supporting structures of the teeth (i.e. the foundation) such as the fibrous attachments and bone. The disease is caused by the accumulation of destructive bacteria under the gums that cannot be treated by the patient, or even a dental cleaning. A variety of therapies are available but once a patient has periodontitis, it is very difficult to completely “heal” them, and frequent maintenance and diligence is necessary by all for the rest of the patient’s life.

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